Vecuronium Bromide Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the brand name of Vecuronium Bromide?

Norcuron.

What is the drug class of Vecuronium Bromide?

Neuromuscular blocker, nondepolarizing.

What is the proper adult dose/route(s) of Vecuronium Bromide?

0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV push. Maintenance dose within 45-60 minutes: 0.8-1.2 mg/kg IV push.

What is the proper pediatric dose/route(s) of Vecuronium Bromide?

0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV/IO. Maintenance dose within 20-35 minutes: 0.01-0.05 mg/kg IV/IO push. Signup and view all the answers

How does Vecuronium Bromide work in the body?

Neuromuscular agent with intermediate duration of action that competes with acetylcholine for receptors at the motor end plate, resulting in neuromuscular blockade. Signup and view all the answers

What are the indications for administering Vecuronium Bromide?

Rapid-sequence intubation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for administering Vecuronium Bromide?

Acute narrow-angle glaucoma, penetrating eye injuries, inability to control airway or support ventilations with oxygen and positive pressure, newborns, myasthenia gravis, hepatic or renal failure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential side effects/adverse reactions of Vecuronium Bromide?

Weakness, prolonged neuromuscular block, bronchospasm, apnea, dysrhythmias, bradycardia, tachycardia, PVCs, transient hypotension, cardiac arrest, excessive salivation. Signup and view all the answers

When would special considerations be taken regarding Vecuronium Bromide?

Pregnancy safety: Category C. If the patient is conscious, explain the effect of the medication before administration and always sedate the patient before using Vecuronium. Intubation and ventilatory support must be readily available. Monitor the patient carefully. Vecuronium has no effect on consciousness or pain. Will not stop neuronal seizure activity. Pulse rate and cardiac output are increased. Decrease doses for patients with renal disease. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vecuronium Bromide Overview

Brand name: Norcuron
Class: Neuromuscular blocker, nondepolarizing

Dosage Guidelines

Adult Dosage:
- Initial dose: 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV push
- Maintenance dose (after 45-60 minutes): 0.8-1.2 mg/kg IV push
Pediatric Dosage:
- Initial dose: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg IV/IO
- Maintenance dose (after 20-35 minutes): 0.01-0.05 mg/kg IV/IO push

Mechanism of Action

Acts as a neuromuscular agent with intermediate action duration
Competes with acetylcholine at motor end plate receptors, causing neuromuscular blockade

Indications

Primarily used for rapid-sequence intubation

Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma, penetrating eye injuries
Contraindicated in patients unable to manage airway or ventilatory support
Avoid in newborns, those with myasthenia gravis, or hepatic/renal failure

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

May cause weakness, prolonged neuromuscular block, and bronchospasm
Other reactions include apnea, dysrhythmias, bradycardia, tachycardia, PVCs, transient hypotension, cardiac arrest, and excessive salivation

Special Considerations

Pregnancy safety category: C
Explain effects to conscious patients prior to administration
Sedation should precede administration to prevent discomfort
Intubation and ventilatory support must be immediately available
Monitor patients closely; Vecuronium does not affect consciousness or pain perception
Will not mitigate seizure activity
Anticipate increased pulse rate and cardiac output; adjust doses in renal impairment

Description

Test your knowledge on Vecuronium Bromide with these flashcards. Learn about its brand name, drug class, and dosing information for both adults and children. Perfect for pharmacy students or healthcare professionals preparing for exams.